740.0011 European War 1939/10977: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:22 p.m.]
151. I understand that Von Papen who had returned the previous day saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs day before yesterday and renewed the assurances of Germany’s friendly intentions with regard to Turkey; he stressed in particular that the occupation of the Greek Islands and possible further developments along similar lines in the Eastern Mediterranean were matters of temporary military necessity not directed against this country and presenting no threat to its interests, and he quoted Hitler as offering the assurance that in the peace settlement Turkey would be consulted as to the arrangements to be made in respect of the territories so affected.
He also referred to the desire of his Government to increase the commercial exchanges between the two countries.
His interview with President Inönü yesterday is believed to have followed the same lines.